Abstract

One of the factors that affect the yield of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) is the quality of mushroom compost. To provide an optimal growth medium for mushrooms, it is important to understand the typical components of mushroom compost. The aims of this study were to isolate and identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and investigate patterns of change in selected VOCs during the different phases of the mushroom compost production process. Five batches of filling (Phase I), spawning (Phase II) and final stage (Phase III) of mushroom compost were analysed in triplicate. VOCs in the headspace of individual samples were collected with a 65µm Polydimethylsiloxane/Divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) SPME fibre and analysed by GC-MS. The VOCs detected in Phase I, II and III varied both in the total number present and total abundance. Among compounds detected, 2,4-Dimethylheptane, 5-ethyl-2-methyloctane, 3,7-Dimethyldecane and n-butyl ether were common constituents of all phases. Alpha-pinene was also found in all samples except for one batch of Phase III. Beta-pinene and 3-Carene were common and occurred in greater amount in Phase I and Phase II. The study revealed a higher amount of alkenes in Phase I and Phase II, while 3-heptanone, 3-octanone and 1-octene dominated Phase III.